China regrets Canada's exit from Kyoto Protocol
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Xinhua, December 14, 2011
China on Tuesday voiced regret over Canada's decision to pull out of the Kyoto Protocol, and expressed the hope that Canada will continue to implement its commitments on emission cuts.
"Canada's withdrawal occurred as important progress has been made on the protocol's second commitment period at the United Nations climate change conference in Durban, and it runs against the international efforts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said at a regular press briefing.
He urged Canada to bear in mind its responsibility and obligation, implement its emission cut commitments and engage in the international efforts in coping with climate change in a proactive and constructive manner.
China has played an active role in the international bid to tackle climate change and made great efforts at the Durban conference, he said, adding the country will continue its efforts.
"China has taken tangible measures in coping with climate change, and those measures has been adopted by the top legislative body, the National People's Congress," Liu said.
Those measures have also been integrated with China's economic and social development plan for the next five year and is of binding effect, he said.
"We will continue our tangible efforts in that aspect," Liu added.
Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent announced Monday that the country has withdrawn from the Kyoto Protocol.
Canada, along with other signatories of the Kyoto Protocol, was required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels and provide funding to developing countries to eventually reduce their emissions. Canada ratified the accord in 1997.
